Flagellation of Christ

Pico Della Francesca, Flagellation of Christ, oil and tempera on wood,
1' 11 1/8" x  2' 8 1/4" ca, 1455-1465

Pico Della Francesca (1420-1492) was from San Sepolcro of Tuscany. Pico believed that beauty was achieved when paintings were created to exemplify perfect geometric figures.


"The identification of the foreground figures continues to elude scholars. They appear to discuss the biblical tragedy that takes place in Pilate’s palace, which Piero rendered in perfect perspective."- Fred S. Kleiner

This painting is a representation of when Christ was presented to Pountius Pilot to be tried. It also tells of how Christ was whipped before he was crucified.This painting however, is famous because of the attention that was given to make sure of the paintings geometric exactness.

I chose this painting because of how it is designed. When looking at the painting Christ is towards the back, placing him almost out of reach. This caused me to think of what i might have been like for the apostles to be forced to stand and watch their master be tortured. I feel that this painting once again brings the events of Christ's life to life for the viewer.